Spring Training News, Offense Offense Offense

According to reports from this weekend, Lou Pinella is expected to cut at least 10 players on Monday or the latest Tuesday.

According to the Tribune, Lou Pinella is expected to name the closer on the coming week.

There is talk Rich Harden might be skipped the first time around. Ted Lilly is a little behind in his work than the pitching staff because of the WBC.

Luis Vizcaino should be in the bullpen to start the season because of his big contract. Chad Gaudin might be the long relief man in the bullpen.

Saturday, Larry Rothschild said that Chad Gaudin will pitch Tuesday and then decide what they are going to do with him.

I think Chad Gaudin and Angel Guzman will take the final 2 spots in the bullpen and auction them for trade bait.

The race for backup catcher is down to Paul Bako and Koyie Hill. The other catcher that is still at camp is Mark Johnson but he can't hit. Paul Bako has been hitting better lately and Koyie Hill in my opinion is the favorite to win.

Spring Training Recap:

The Cubs killed the Oakland Athletics 20-5.

These players will make the team for sure:

Ryan Theriot went 3for 3 with 2 singles, triple, walk and 2 rbi's.
Mike Fontenot went 2 for 4 with 2 singles and a rbi.
Derek Lee went 2 for 5 with a single, homerun, rbi and a strikeout.
Micah Hoffpauir went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles, rbi and 2 strikeouts.
Reed Johnson went 2 for 3 with a single, double and 3 rbi's.
Pitchers:
Ryan Dempster pitch 4.1 innings and gave up 3 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts.
Kevin Gregg pitch 0.2 innings and gave up 1 walk and 1 strikeout.
Aaron Heilman pitch 1 inning and gave up 2 hits, 1 run and 1 walk.
Neal Cotts pitch 0.1 inning and gave up 4 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk and 1 strikeout.

Notables:
Jake Fox went 3 for 5 with 3 singles, 3 rbi's and a strikeout.
Koyie Hill went 0 for 2 with a strikeout.
Paul Bako went 4 for 4 with 2 singles, double, homerun and 3 rbi's.
Luis Vizcaino pitch 1 inning and gave up 1 hit, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.
David Patton pitch 1 inning and gave up 1 hit, 1 walk and 1 strikeout.

I will keep you updated.